Applying for the group stage of the Champions League, Monaco did the essentials by winning 2-0 on the lawn of Sparta Prague, after a match mastered in all areas on Tuesday evening. Dominators during the first period, Niko Kovac’s players found the opening thanks to a powerful header from Tchouaméni at the reception, full axis, from a corner from Golovine (0-1, 38 ‘).

In the process, a threat then hung over the smooth running of the game, when the Monegasques went to complain to the referee of racist cries emitted from the stands towards the young striker. A warning was issued in the stadium to Czech supporters and the match resumed.

After the break, Volland doubled the lead from close range, with his left foot, following a header from Diop (0-2, 59th).

In the next round, the last before the group stage, it is likely that ASM will face Shakhtar Donetsk or Genk in the play-off (first leg 17 or 18 August, second leg 24 or 25).

Monaco is the only French team to have extricated themselves from qualifying for the Champions League, during the 2016-2017 season which saw Kylian Mbappé’s team reach the semi-finals of the C1 – eliminated by Juventus Turin .

This Tuesday evening, the Monegasque coach was even able to afford to spare his offensive players, still short of preparation. Ben Yedder, replaced in the 55th, then Volland and Golovin, in the 75th, have all three been preserved, in anticipation of Monaco – Nantes in the inaugural match of the 1st day of Ligue 1 Friday (9 pm). And perhaps in view of a long European campaign to come.